מהאתר של איגוד הסוכרת באנגליה.

Whether it’s a wedding, dinner or birthday party, food plays an important part in celebrations. If you are hosting the occasion, you can make sure there are plenty of healthy and tasty options on the table, whether it’s for adults or children.

Choose oven-baked crisps.

Substitute mayonnaise with low-fat yogurt in dressings.

Serve plenty of crunchy vegetables and an exotic fruit salad.

Cut smaller slices of birthday cake.

Pack party bags with a small toy or a colouring book, rather than sweets.

If the occasion is a buffet, look at what’s on offer before you choose. Then, make one trip, filling your plate with healthy options, before heading back for dessert.

If it’s a cocktail party, with only nibbles, make sure you eat a small meal before you go.

If you have a child with diabetes and they are invited to a friend’s house, make sure that the parents know what to do if your child needs insulin or has a hypo, and what they can eat.

If you are confident with counting carbs, either for yourself or your child, and adjusting your insulin dose, it may be possible to change the amount injected to fit with the food eaten. To make it easier to estimate the amount of carbohydrate you or your child is eating, try the Carbs & Cals book or app.

Fill yourself up with those foods you know are lower in calories, such as fresh vegetables and salads, oil-free chutneys and pickles, yogurt and fruit.

Keep an eye on crispy fried snacks, like crisps, Bombay mix, gathia and sev. They are fried and give you very little nutritional benefit, but can clock up the calories.

The restaurant

Choose a starter that is light and refreshing, such as a fragrant Thai salad. Barbecued or grilled meat or fish starters are likely to be lower in fat than richer dishes, so opt for chicken satay, tikka, mixed grills or tandoori.

Scan the menu for steamed or boiled dishes like steamed rice, noodles with vegetables, grilled meat and fish dishes.

Get into the habit of ordering extra side dishes of salad and vegetables and ask for any dressings to be served on the side. Most places are happy to do this.

If you choose a dessert, keep an eye on your portion size. It’s fine to enjoy a sweet treat, but it can be easy to eat too much.
Try a scoop of ice cream, some fresh fruit salad, a sorbet, or – if you treat yourself to a rich pudding – share with somebody and ask your waiter or waitress for two bowls and spoons.

If you can, plan a brisk walk before or after the meal – it will help keep your blood glucose stable and help you manage your weight.

Insulin and eating out

A change in usual routine and diet when eating out needn’t have an effect on diabetes control. It can be balanced by adjusting the amount and/or timing of insulin that you take.

Talk to your healthcare team about how to adjust your dose.